On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for King
King states it is unlawful to begin excavation, construction, moving, alteration, repair, or change in use of a building, structure, land, or accessory structure until a zoning permit and/or building permit has been issued.
Certain licensed like-kind replacements such as qualifying water-heater replacements and qualifying replacement of electrical lighting fixtures, receptacles, and switches in one- and two-family dwellings.
For work costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building, no permit is required if the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical design changes, non-code-compliant materials, added roofing, or fire-code-triggering work.
Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks when the project otherwise qualifies under the small-project exemption.
- Exempt Certain licensed like-kind replacements such as qualifying water-heater replacements and qualifying replacement of electrical lighting fixtures, receptacles, and switches in one- and two-family dwellings.
- Exempt For work costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building, no permit is required if the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical design changes, non-code-compliant materials, added roofing, or fire-code-triggering work.
- Exempt Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks when the project otherwise qualifies under the small-project exemption.
Note: Like other North Carolina jurisdictions, King is subject to the statutory exemptions in G.S. 160D-1110.
Required documents
- Land record key number
- Deed or survey map for new home construction
- Completed building permit application
- One set of scaled plans for residential permits
- County septic permit when applicable
- Building code
- 2018 North Carolina State Building Code family, as currently enforced statewide pending the delayed 2024 code rollout.
- Permit validity
- A paid permit expires 6 months after issuance if work has not commenced, and expires if work is discontinued for 12 months or more. The permit holder must have at least one inspection each year to keep the permit active.
- Contractor requirements
- Residential construction over $40,000 requires a licensed general contractor. State trade licensing still applies to electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Source: City of King Planning Department / Planning and Inspections ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1 to 4 days for permit review and completion
- 01 Confirm zoning compliance with the Planning Department before building-permit review. Bring the land record key number, deed, or survey for new-home construction.
- 02 Submit the completed building permit packet to the city. The packet requires the permit application, one scaled plan set with floor plans, two elevations, and a typical wall section, plus a county septic permit if applicable.
- 03 Wait for city review. King states incomplete building packets will not be accepted.
- 04 The city reviews the packet and calls the applicant when the permit is ready for pickup and payment.
- 05 Pay fees before permit release. King states only cash or check payment options are available in the residential permit handout.
- 06 Post the orange placard and keep the approved plans on site.
- 07 Call for inspections through the city during construction.
Typical processing time: 1 to 4 days for permit review and completion
Source: City of King Planning Department / Planning and Inspections ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2024-2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$90
02
Permit fee formula
Primarily square-foot based and flat-fee schedule. New single-family residential building is $0.25 per heated square foot; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical each at $0.13 per heated square foot; zoning fee $60; home owner recovery fee $10.
03
Trade permit fee
$90 minimum per trade
04
Reinspection fee
$60 per reinspection; before- or after-hours inspections are $100 per hour with a 2-hour minimum
05
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fee for building without a permit
Only cash or check payment options are available according to the residential permit handout.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024-2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 336-983-8265 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests called in between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM will typically be inspected that afternoon unless a different day is requested.
- Inspection hours
- 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM for inspection requests
Typical sequence: Temporary power or saw pole if needed, footing, under-slab, slab pour, foundation, optional floor framing, rough-in, optional flashing, insulation, water and sewer, temporary power, and final inspection.
Source: City of King Planning Department / Planning and Inspections ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about King permits
01 Do I need a building permit in King, NC? ▸
King states it is unlawful to begin excavation, construction, moving, alteration, repair, or change in use of a building, structure, land, or accessory structure until a zoning permit and/or building permit has been issued.
02 How much does a building permit cost in King, NC? ▸
Building permit fees in King, NC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $90. Fees are calculated as: Primarily square-foot based and flat-fee schedule. New single-family residential building is $0.25 per heated square foot; plumbing, electrical, and mechanical each at $0.13 per heated square foot; zoning fee $60; home owner recovery fee $10..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in King, NC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in King, NC, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning compliance with the Planning Department before building-permit review. Bring the land record key number, deed, or survey for new-home construction. 2. Submit the completed building permit packet to the city. The packet requires the permit application, one scaled plan set with floor plans, two elevations, and a typical wall section, plus a county septic permit if applicable. 3. Wait for city review. King states incomplete building packets will not be accepted. 4. The city reviews the packet and calls the applicant when the permit is ready for pickup and payment. 5. Pay fees before permit release. King states only cash or check payment options are available in the residential permit handout. 6. Post the orange placard and keep the approved plans on site. 7. Call for inspections through the city during construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in King, NC? ▸
Building permit processing times in King, NC typically run 1 to 4 days for permit review and completion. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in King, NC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in King, NC. The following work is generally exempt: Certain licensed like-kind replacements such as qualifying water-heater replacements and qualifying replacement of electrical lighting fixtures, receptacles, and switches in one- and two-family dwellings.; For work costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building, no permit is required if the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical design changes, non-code-compliant materials, added roofing, or fire-code-triggering work.; Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks when the project otherwise qualifies under the small-project exemption.. Note: Like other North Carolina jurisdictions, King is subject to the statutory exemptions in G.S. 160D-1110. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in King, NC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in King, NC via: 336-983-8265. Inspection requests called in between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM will typically be inspected that afternoon unless a different day is requested..
last verified April 2026
source City of King Planning Department / Planning and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/north-carolina/stokes/king
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of King Planning Department / Planning and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.